- Mar 13, 2024
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Disney World is undeniably a magical destination, but booking a hotel there can feel a bit like navigating a labyrinth.
Even for Disney veterans, the current activity at the resorts—like construction, refurbishments, transportation changes, and pool closures—can be surprising. If you're in the middle of planning your stay, here’s what you need to know before clicking that reserve button.
### Watch for New Discounts and Double-Check for Closures
Disney frequently updates its offers, so keep an eye out for new discounts while finalizing your plans.
Currently, extensive refurbishments are being carried out across the property. From hotel makeovers to resort construction, scheduled projects might close buildings or entire wings for weeks.
Before booking, review the resort’s construction schedule. The experience between staying at a newly refurbished resort and one in the middle of an upgrade can be quite different. Make sure it aligns with your expectations for a peaceful stay.
Some projects might not affect the hotel side of a resort, especially if they concern the DVC villas. Check which updates could impact your stay.
### Transportation Refurbishments
Boat transportation to and from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will undergo routine maintenance from January to April 2026. Expect to rely more on bus services during this period.
The Disney Skyliner will be closed from January 25th to 31st, 2026, and again in January 2027, affecting all associated resorts. Consider avoiding Skyliner hotels during this time due to crowded bus alternatives.
### Pool Closures and Major Resort Refurbishments
Pay close attention to pool availability, as it's often a major part of a Disney hotel experience. All Star Sports' Surfboard Bay Pool will be closed from January through late April 2026, but other pool options are available.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is undergoing an extensive room refurbishment through 2027, impacting day-to-day tranquility with some construction noise.
The Beach Club Resort will have exterior maintenance until 2027, but Stormalong Bay has already reopened beautifully updated.
Refurbishments are ongoing at numerous other resorts as well, each with different timelines and impacts on amenities.
### Booking Tips
Check all current offers, construction calendars, and potential closures before booking your stay. Ensure your chosen hotel aligns with your expectations, especially if relaxation is a priority in your Disney plans.
Taking a few minutes to verify these details can make your Disney trip much smoother and more magical.
Have any crazy unexpected hotel experiences at Disney World? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below!
Even for Disney veterans, the current activity at the resorts—like construction, refurbishments, transportation changes, and pool closures—can be surprising. If you're in the middle of planning your stay, here’s what you need to know before clicking that reserve button.
### Watch for New Discounts and Double-Check for Closures
Disney frequently updates its offers, so keep an eye out for new discounts while finalizing your plans.
Currently, extensive refurbishments are being carried out across the property. From hotel makeovers to resort construction, scheduled projects might close buildings or entire wings for weeks.
Before booking, review the resort’s construction schedule. The experience between staying at a newly refurbished resort and one in the middle of an upgrade can be quite different. Make sure it aligns with your expectations for a peaceful stay.
Some projects might not affect the hotel side of a resort, especially if they concern the DVC villas. Check which updates could impact your stay.
### Transportation Refurbishments
Boat transportation to and from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will undergo routine maintenance from January to April 2026. Expect to rely more on bus services during this period.
The Disney Skyliner will be closed from January 25th to 31st, 2026, and again in January 2027, affecting all associated resorts. Consider avoiding Skyliner hotels during this time due to crowded bus alternatives.
### Pool Closures and Major Resort Refurbishments
Pay close attention to pool availability, as it's often a major part of a Disney hotel experience. All Star Sports' Surfboard Bay Pool will be closed from January through late April 2026, but other pool options are available.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is undergoing an extensive room refurbishment through 2027, impacting day-to-day tranquility with some construction noise.
The Beach Club Resort will have exterior maintenance until 2027, but Stormalong Bay has already reopened beautifully updated.
Refurbishments are ongoing at numerous other resorts as well, each with different timelines and impacts on amenities.
### Booking Tips
Check all current offers, construction calendars, and potential closures before booking your stay. Ensure your chosen hotel aligns with your expectations, especially if relaxation is a priority in your Disney plans.
Taking a few minutes to verify these details can make your Disney trip much smoother and more magical.
Have any crazy unexpected hotel experiences at Disney World? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below!
